Raynham to explore development possibilities near dog track

Tuesday

Jan 26, 2010 at 12:01 AMJan 26, 2010 at 12:36 PM

A study is being commissioned to evaluate what kind of industrial, retail or office development the market would best support for the 215-acre area if the rail line connecting Boston to Fall River and New Bedford is built, and what development would be most appropriate if the train does not come through.

Erik Potter

Raynham is looking for ideas on how to reshape 214 acres near the dog track should the proposed South Coast commuter rail line, and a new train stop, come to town.

The Southeast Planning and Regional Economic Development District, of which Raynham is a part, is commissioning a market study of the Route 138 corridor near Raynham Park.

The study will evaluate what kind of industrial, retail or office development the market would best support for the 215-acre area if the rail line connecting Boston to Fall River and New Bedford is built, and what development would be most appropriate if the train does not come through.

The study also will look at the financial impacts for the town of the different development options in terms of generating tax revenue or drawing on city services.

That information can then be used as an aid in future redevelopment of the corridor, which is adjacent to the environmentally sensitive Hockomock Swamp and includes Raynham Park, Ryan Industrial Park and the former Precast site.

Much of the development could hinge on the future of Raynham Park, which encompasses 108 of the 214 acres to be studied. Having been stripped of its ability to run live racing at the end of last year, and with its yearly license to run simulcast dog racing up for renewal in less than six months, the track is placing its bets on state lawmakers authorizing slots at the track.

What the future holds if that bet proves bad, however, remains to be seen.

Track owner George Carney says he has no plans to give up on gaming at the site.

“I’ve only been waiting for 12 years already,” for slots at the track, Carney said, and he is prepared to wait another 12 years if necessary.

The market study is being funded through a state technical assistance grant.

Contractors have until Feb. 1 to submit their proposals. SPREDD will award the contract, the cost of which is capped at $15,000, by Feb. 11.

Work on the redevelopment plan must be completed by May 17.

Easton, Stoughton and Bridgewater also have received technical assistance grants, which are paying for studies done through the Old Colony Planning Council.

In Bridgewater, the council is looking at how to improve train-related pedestrian and vehicle traffic near Bridgewater State College.

In Easton and Stoughton, the council is helping put together development plans around the proposed North Easton station on the Easton-Stoughton line near Roche Bros.